Multilateralism - Reflexions

Multilateralism

A method by which several States act together in a co-ordinated manner. A mode of discussion, consultation, negotiation and action involving more than two partners. International organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the Organization of American States (OAS) are examples of the institutionalisation of multilateralism. Multilateralism sets itself against unilateralism (thinking and acting alone) and bilateralism (two parties thinking, discussing, negotiating and acting together). Multilateralism has disadvantages (the decision making process is laboured, there are risks of stalling, failure and immobility), and advantages (the impulse to go beyond antagonisms between States and to create regulations and institutions to manage their interdependences, creating compromises which respect the general interest, and including the smallest partners in the decision making process.)